Big-hearted locals hand hope to little Aoibheann – Belfast Media Group

By Conor McParland

OVER 14,000 has been raised to continue vital treatment for a Glengormley toddler with cerebral palsy.

Aoibheann OConnor (3) was born at 28 weeks and suffers from hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy due to a brain haemorrhage shortly after birth.

Over 14,000 has been raised so far for the three year-old to continue specialised ABR (Advanced Bio-Mechanical Rehabilitation) to ease the physical constraints of her condition. The therapy focuses on a form of deep tissue massage to improve the functional ability of the muscles and skeleton.

Speaking to the North Belfast News, mum Aisling said she has already noticed an improvement in her daughters condition since she began treatment in October.

Aoibheann suffers from cerebral palsy which makes all her limbs tight, but her body is weak, she explained.

Through some research and talking to people, I found out about ABR therapy which helps build up tissue in the body.

Weve been doing it since October and already we have seen a difference in her. She can balance a bit more herself and you can feel the strength coming into her body

Its a really slow progress. Its about realigning your whole body again we can see some subtle changes already.

The intense treatment takes approximately two and a half hours a day and required specialised training for mum and dad, Aisling and Ethan, who are also kept busy with Aoibheanns little sister ine (1).

The treatment is a leap of faith, said Aisling. We are raising money for something which is relatively unheard of in the medical world but we want to try anything to improve Aoibheanns quality of life. Its from a selfish point of view too in that the more we put in now to her treatment, the more independence she may have in the future.

Its been really hard for me and Ethan as parents. Its been intense. From ine was born, I always need someone to help me out. You cant go to Funky Monkeys and play like normal families but you want to try and do anything you can to give Aoibheann as good a quality of life as possible. Despite her difficulties, Aoibheann is an upbeat girl who enjoys reading books, drawing and going out on her pacer. This gives us a glimpse of how life could be for her if we could improve her physical capabilities.

Aisling set up the Aoibheanns Fight for Freedom fundraising page with help from Just4Children charity. Since July, over 14,000 has been raised of a 22,500 target to give Aoibheann a full three-year course of ABR treatment, much to the appreciation of her parents.

People have been really kind in donating money and prizes for events such as putting on a tombola. Its been amazing how people help you out who dont even know you.

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Big-hearted locals hand hope to little Aoibheann - Belfast Media Group